Recently entourage of PAS, PKR and DAP together with the natives of Sarawak went to the National Registration Department (NRD) in Miri demanded that they be given legal status of citizenship as a citizen of Malaysia.

PAS delegation represented by Robby Tandang Sibuti PAS Youth chief, along with Dr Teo from PKR and DAP YB Alan Ling. They met with the Miri NRD officers want to know the real problems faced by indigenous that cannot have an identity card / MyKad. According to the officers all rely decision with the Ministry of Home Affairs, because those in power to accept or reject an application.

Previously we have also received many complaints from the original population of Sibuti parliamentary area that they do not have identity cards and also does not have a birth certificate. They had many times complained about this problem to the NRD in Miri but until now no answer given why they have yet to have a MyKad.

They also expressed disappointment with the attitude of the NRD does not recognize them as citizens of Malaysia whereas they are the original inhabitants instead of immigrants.

According to them the application rejected with reason that they do not have a completed document and without a birth certificate even though some of them had received confirmation from the Tuai Rumah (Longhouse chief) that they are the original inhabitants of the area where they lived.

Because they do not have identity cards, they continue to be marginalized and their fate is worse than illegal immigrants. They do not get a welfare assistance, BR1M and school aid. Their children cannot go to school and further studies up to university level due to no identification cards.

National Registration Department (NRD) is a department under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is responsible for managing the registers of individuals’ information such as birth, death, adoption, marriage and divorce. In addition NRD also responsible in determining citizenship status and thus produce identity documents in the form of individual identification cards to those who qualify.

Supposed NRD is responsible for the registration of the public, down to the ground to meet local people who still do not have identity cards and birth certificates, especially the locals who live far inland.

There are several reasons why many of the original inhabitants of Sarawak too difficult to register and have a birth certificate because of the factor of connecting road is difficult to penetrate and expensive transportation costs, especially those who live in remote areas. After a long time they waited, they hope their application for an identity card to get due consideration from the government and the Home Ministry for their own future, their children and grandchildren.

We urge that the Home Ministry authorized in giving and issue individual identity documents in the form of identity cards to the natives of Sarawak. Do not let the natives of Sarawak their rights encroached upon and continue to be marginalized from the mainstream of development because they are the origin inhabitants who should be given the legal rights of citizens instead of immigrants.

We urge that the government is not favoritism in overcoming the problems of this people. We hope that this matter can be resolved quickly and the cooperation with the relevant authorities is very much appreciated.